Engaging Activities for Parent Open House

When parents enter the classroom, it is important that they get a great understanding of the teacher's style and approach, how their child's classroom works, and what his or her workload will look like. Open House is a great opportunity to show parents what your classroom is all about through fun activities, student photos, children's work samples and more. 

Here are four engaging parent-participation activities for Open House:

1. Bubble Maps:  During the school day, have each student make a bubble map that describes him/her. Instead of putting their names in the bubbles, they can place digital pictures of themselves and write adjectives and traits that describe them. During the Open House, have parents look at their child's bubble map and invite them to make their own. The next day, students will enjoy seeing their parents' maps. 
2. Classroom Scavenger Hunt:  Give parents a map and directions and ask them to find their child's work throughout the classroom, their desk, their cubby and more. Have parents leave a note on the student's desk commenting on his/her work, his/her cubby, etc. 
3. Selfies:  During the week, have each student create a lifesize "selfie" portrait to put at his/her desk for Open House. Parents will be able to guess which is their child's desk and take the "selfie" home. 
4. Compliments Jar: Lay out a pile of index cards and a jar. Encourage parents to write compliments on the classroom, or on their child's desk, cubby, work, etc. The next day, read the compliments out loud to the class. 

Related resources

Top 8 Keys to a Great Parent Open House
More Open House Tips

Article by Kassondra Granata, EducationWorld Contributor
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